Travel Japan: 4 Must-Try Food When in Nagoya

Nagoya is the largest city in the Chubu Region of Japan and the fourth most populous city in that country. It is capital of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. It is a manufacturing and shipping hub in central Honshu.

With over 2 million residents, Nagoya is home to some of the most delicious Japanese food. So, if ever you decide to explore this city and experience its food, here are some of the dishes that you must try.

4. Miso Nikomi Udon

Miso nikomi udon literally means udon noodles simmered (nikomi) in miso. Nagoya is actually a home of producing a type of miso called “Haccho miso”, so they often use the miso for the dishes. Miso katsu is one of the examples too. The udon (Japanese white thick noodles) and other ingredients like green onions, shiitake mashrooms, fish cakes, and egg are simmered together in the rich miso sauce. It is served in a small earthen pot that keeps the dish hot. #foodporn #japan #japanfood

A post shared by KC Canlas (@beawes0me) on Jan 2, 2018 at 6:37pm PST

Miso Nikomi Udon is a dish of thick wheat udon noodles simmered in a savory miso broth with various ingredients such as fried tofu (aburaage), fish cake (kamaboko), chicken, and green onions. It is served in an earthen pot to keep it hot. It is topped with raw egg that you mix with the soup before eating it.

We tried Miso Nikomi Udon here:

Yamamotoya-Honten

Noodle Shop Esca underground shopping center

Tsubakicho, 6−9先

+81 52-453-1651

Open until 10:00 PM

3. Tebasaki Chicken Wings

Legit Tebasaki chicken wings #nagoya #japan #foodporn

A post shared by KC Canlas (@beawes0me) on Jan 2, 2018 at 7:12pm PST

Nagoya is the home of legit Tebasaki chicken wings. Scattered all over the city are chicken wing joints that are enjoyed by locals and tourists. Chicken wings are fried with no batter is used, and the wings are fried with a light coating of seasoning. The wings are drizzled with salty-sweet sauce, pepper, and sesame seeds. The best way to experience Tebasaki chicken wings in Nagoya is with ice-cold nama beer.

We tried Tebasaki Chicken Wings here:

Yamachan Nishikiten

中区錦３丁目１−９

+81 52-971-0521

Opens at 5:00 PM

AND

Furaibo 

Meitetsu Nagoya Station

Japan, 〒450-0002 Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya, Nakamura-ku, Meieki, 1 Chome−2−2, 近鉄名古屋駅構内

Opens from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

2. Miso Katsu

Miso Katsu – a must-try dish when in #Nagoya. It is basically deep fried pork (called tonkatsu) with miso sauce. Coated with panko (bread crumbs), it is nicely crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. What makes the dish more incredible is the sweet and savory miso sauce that goes well with the pork cutlet. It is very rich. The dish usually comes with shredded cabbages, a bowl of rice, and soup. The most famous Miso Katsu restaurant in Nagoya is Yabaton, located near Nagoya station.

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The partnership formed between the red miso sauce (which is unique to Nagoya) and tonkatsu is the perfect symbol of the city’s culture of collaboration. The salty-sweet miso sauce is surprisingly simple and mild while the tonkatsu is tender and crispy. Usually, Miso Katsu comes with a serving of rice, soup, and shredded cabbage.

We tried Miso Katsu here:

Yabaton Nagoya Station Meitetsu shop

名鉄百貨店 本店

Meieki, 1 Chome−2−1 名鉄百貨店本館 +81 52-563-7373

Open until 11:00 PM

1. Unagi (Hitsumabushi)

When it comes to unagi, Nagoya is the best place you can try this slippery sea creature. One of the best unagi dishes can be found at Atsuta Horaiken Honten. Aside from the food, the place is phenomenal as it gives that olden Japanese home vibe. Service in this restaurant is also topnotch! Hitsumabushi is special unagi dish in Nagoya. The way to eat it is special too. The first section is eaten as-isso you can simply enjoy the taste of the eel. The second section is mixed with condiments like wasabi, scallions, and seaweed to accent the flavor. The third section is enjoyed with a light chazuke broth.

A post shared by KC Canlas (@beawes0me) on Jan 3, 2018 at 6:08am PST

This is one of the best #unagi I’ve had and one of the best meals so far. This one is at Atsuta Horaiken Honten in Nagoya. Just look at it glisten. ? Complementing the food is the traditional vibe of the restaurant. Actually, it looks more like a house than a restaurant. Amazing experience! ???

A post shared by KC Canlas (@beawes0me) on Nov 21, 2017 at 11:50pm PST

Bowls of #unagi, chopsticks, tatami mats, and a garden view ??? #japan #japantravel #japantrip #traveljapan #cooljapan #travelasia #travel #nagoya

A post shared by KC Canlas (@beawes0me) on Nov 22, 2017 at 3:55am PST

When it comes to unagi, Nagoya is the best place you can try this slippery sea creature. One of the best unagi dishes can be found at Atsuta Horaiken Honten. Aside from the food, the place is phenomenal as it gives that olden Japanese home vibe. Service in this restaurant is also topnotch!

Hitsumabushi is special unagi dish in Nagoya. The way to eat it is special too. The first section is eaten as-isso you can simply enjoy the taste of the eel. The second section is mixed with condiments like wasabi, scallions, and seaweed to accent the flavor. The third section is enjoyed with a light chazuke broth.

We tried Hitsumabushi here:

Atsuta Horaiken Honten (Main Restaurant) · Unagi Restaurant

503 Godocho

Reservations required

Anything else that we should add to this Nagoya, Japan food list? Share your thoughts with us!